Finn Wolfhard: A Star Finds New Light Behind the Camera
Finn Wolfhard’s name might instantly conjure images of Hawkins, Indiana, and supernatural showdowns, but the Canadian actor and musician’s creative journey has always reached far beyond the world of Stranger Things. In late 2025, Wolfhard took on a new role—director—bringing George Harrison’s timeless plea for peace, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth),” to life with its first-ever official music video. This project was more than a professional milestone; it was a deeply personal tribute to an artist who shaped Wolfhard’s own path.
Inspired by Legends: Wolfhard’s Connection to George Harrison
Wolfhard’s relationship with Harrison’s music began in childhood. Introduced by his mother at age six, Wolfhard’s early fascination with the Beatles evolved into a deeper appreciation for Harrison’s solo career and his life after the Fab Four. “George Harrison has and will continue to be a huge inspiration to me, and his work will live on forever,” Wolfhard shared, reflecting on how Harrison’s artistry—and his ability to bridge music and acting—inspired Wolfhard to pursue his own dual passions.
That inspiration carried through Wolfhard’s formative years, as he wrote essays about Harrison’s guitars and dreamt of blending performance and musical storytelling. It was no surprise, then, that when the opportunity to direct the video arose, Wolfhard saw it not just as an assignment, but as an honor and a chance to pay homage.
How a Chance Encounter Sparked a Creative Collaboration
The road to directing Harrison’s video was marked by serendipity and connections. While filming Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in London two years prior, Wolfhard met Dhani Harrison—George’s son—thanks to co-star Paul Rudd’s friendship. A visit to Friar Park, the legendary Harrison estate, followed, where Wolfhard immersed himself in the family’s history and the garden that Harrison loved. “There’s a lot of history there. His guitars are still up on the walls,” Wolfhard noted, recalling how the atmosphere and stories from Friar Park fueled his vision for the video.
Months later, a chance conversation at a Hollywood party with comedian Fred Armisen led to Wolfhard’s name being floated for the project. The Harrison family was receptive, and Wolfhard was soon given the green light to direct the video, with Dhani Harrison and David Zonshine executive producing. For Wolfhard, the convergence of past influences and present opportunities felt almost “wild.”
Crafting the Visual Tribute: Animation, Gardens, and Heart
The finished music video is a testament to Wolfhard’s creative vision and collaborative spirit. Using stop-motion animation—a labor-intensive process involving over 20 Canadian artists from Nobody Told Me Studios and Tye Down Pictures—the video depicts a claymation figure resembling George Harrison exploring a magical garden. This garden, inspired by Friar Park, springs to life with whimsical characters: gnomes, a Venus flytrap, a wise oak tree, and even cave-dwelling sentient beings. Wolfhard’s own experience as an avid gardener in British Columbia added authenticity and detail to the animated flora, including Japanese maple and wildflowers reminiscent of Harrison’s beloved estate.
“When the sun comes up his garden comes to life, it’s almost like a Pee-wee’s Playhouse type of relationship,” Wolfhard explained, highlighting how the video channels the joy and wonder Harrison found in his garden. The animation team constructed every element by hand, pouring daily effort into creating a vibrant, tactile world that resonates with Harrison’s legacy of peace, love, and connection to nature.
Collaboration and Influence: From Stranger Things to Song
Wolfhard’s artistic journey is characterized by collaboration and mentorship. In a recent interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he credited his Stranger Things co-star Joe Keery as a “huge influence” on his music career. Keery, who played an older brother figure and introduced Wolfhard to new musical genres, helped shape the actor’s musical sensibilities. “He was one of the first people I ever knew that was actually in a band…He was kind of a cool, older brother,” Wolfhard said, acknowledging how Keery’s experience and taste informed his own creative direction.
This openness to influence extends to Wolfhard’s work as a musician, director, and collaborator, whether it’s trading ideas at industry parties or coordinating with teams of artists to realize a shared vision. The video for “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” stands as an example of what happens when personal passion, artistic respect, and teamwork converge.
The Legacy of Peace and the Future of Wolfhard’s Art
For Wolfhard, the music video isn’t just a visual accompaniment—it’s a living tribute. The video’s release coincides with the 50th anniversary edition of Harrison’s Living in the Material World album, reinforcing the enduring appeal of Harrison’s message and music. The project is executive produced by Harrison’s son, Dhani, ensuring that family legacy and artistic integrity are at the core of the effort. The video also highlights the role of young Canadian creatives, showcasing the vibrancy of contemporary animation and the possibilities unlocked when generations and disciplines intersect.
Wolfhard’s career continues to evolve, with recent work including co-directing the 2023 comedy-slasher film Hell of a Summer and releasing his debut studio album. As he navigates acting, music, and directing, Wolfhard’s story is a reminder that inspiration is cyclical—artists shape each other, and the creative spirit finds new forms in every era.
Finn Wolfhard’s directorial debut for George Harrison’s “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” music video is a vivid testament to how personal inspiration and artistic collaboration can transcend generations. By channeling Harrison’s love for gardens and peace, Wolfhard bridges his own journey from fan to creator, proving that the most meaningful art often blooms where history, homage, and heartfelt effort meet. — Sourced from Billboard Philippines, Vulture, Just Jared, Flood Magazine